Strategy, Security, Savings and Service - A Case for Managing Data Differently

This paper outlines principal considerations and evaluation tactics for technology
professionals contemplating a migration of their databases to a cloud platform.
Primary decision factors can be characterized as the "four S" considerations:

• Strategy, or the need for a prudent, often gradual, migration plan, which may
feature a public, private, or hybrid cloud solution;
• Security, from HADR (high availability/disaster recovery) capabilities to safeguard against malicious attack;
• Savings, or a cost-benefit advantage; and a
• Service dimension that inspires confidence.

Many cloud hosting providers have achieved ticket-of-entry credibility in the data
warehousing industry by building simple colocation centers. A first-tier database as a
service (DBaaS) contender, however, is set apart by a value-added service approach
that is strategic, consultative and responsive. A first-tier provider also offers state-of-theart
technology, like Microsoft SQL Server 2012, and commits to a product roadmap
that expands their customers' capabilities. Blending conscientious service, strategic
insight and highly reliable technology is the way to earn customer confidence.